Sergino Dest to Man Utd is the perfect move for everyone
Cameron Smith
- 4 Aug 2022 18:45 BST
- 3 min read
Sergino Dest has been linked with a move from Barcelona to Manchester United by the Spanish press, and a deal would perfectly suit all three parties.
The Dutchman joined the Blaugrana from Ajax back in 2020, when he was aged just 19. But, Barcelona even signed Dani Alves on a short-term deal last season due to doubts over whether Dest was up to the task of being their starting right-back.
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According to reports in Spain, Man Utd have confirmed they want to sign Dest, along with his current Barcelona team-mate Frenkie de Jong, this summer.
However, Cesar Azpilicueta's contract extension at Chelsea may put a bump in the road in Man Utd's pursuit of Dest. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Azpilicueta has agreed to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until 2024 amid a summer of change at Chelsea.
This may directly harm Man Utd's chances of signing Dest as Barcelona had lined up Azpilicueta as his potential replacement. With the Spain international no longer on the market following his decision to renew his Chelsea contract, Barcelona may be forced to keep Dest this summer.
Of course, new signing Jules Kounde and current star Ronald Araujo can both play at right-back, but it wouldn't be an ideal scenario for Xavi as a long-term option.
But, if Barcelona are able to source another right-back target, it could open the door for the perfect transfer.
Why Dest to Man Utd is perfect
First from Man Utd's point of view, it's clear that right-back is an area of weakness. Despite early signs of promise, it's become evident that Aaron Wan-Bissaka isn't quite up to the standard the club needs in the attacking third, and he's already been replaced within the squad by Diogo Dalot. Even so, it appears as though Erik ten Hag isn't convinced that the Portuguese international is the right man for the job.
As a result, signing Dest, a player he knows from his Ajax days, would solve the problem. In addition, for the player himself, moving to Old Trafford would provide regular game time and a head coach that values what he brings to the table, which Xavi seemingly doesn't.
For Barcelona, offloading Dest would free up some space on the wage bill, which is essential given the vast sum of money they've spent on stars so far this summer, and the amount they owe De Jong in deferred wage payments.
